Tag Archives: Famous Writers
Commencement Speeches — Crafty Impact
The end of May is full of the smells of honeysuckle and hints of smoke from the brave few that are unable to hold back from firing up their BBQs before the “official” summer hits. During these days the evening air … Continue reading
Napa Valley Writers’ Conference — July 26-31, 2015
I just applied to the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference for 2015. “Priority applications” are being accepted through 3/16/15. After which applicants will be added to a “rolling” admissions process, which means that late applications will be considered as they come in, and continue until all … Continue reading
Low Residency MFA Programs
I am in the middle of my second draft of my first novel. The first draft was relatively straight forward — I had a beginning a middle and an end. Aristotle would be proud! I had given a few sections … Continue reading
Emily Dickenson — One Of Our Greatest Poets
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson is often referred to as one of the most influential American Poets. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, on December 10, 1830 and died in 1886 from what was called Bright’s disease (an ailment of the kidneys now called nephritis). … Continue reading
Louise Glück – Featured Poet in “Poets and Writers”
Louise Glück is a Pulitzer Prize winning poet that is featured in the October issue of “Poets & Writers.” If you don’t read the magazine, you might want to consider starting — it is full of all that might interest any … Continue reading
The Houses That Arthur Hailey Built
Arthur Hailey wrote many novels, including “Airport,” which was made into a movie. He lived in the Napa Valley for many years and stayed in at least two homes and built a few investment properties, one of which I lived in … Continue reading
Writing Workshop In Positano – Sirenland 2014
Writers need and crave feedback. Writing is normally a solitary act — writers sit over their computers or pads of paper agonizing over word use and story content. When we get done with a first draft we normally set it … Continue reading
Apple Takes Whitman To The Masses
Walt Whitman was in the news again… Recently Apple ran an ad for its 30-year anniversary. Oddly, they opted out of debuting it during this year’s Super Bowl. This is odd because they shook up the world when they released their … Continue reading
Raymond Carver – My Favorite Writer
People often ask me, “Who is your favorite writer?” And although I love many authors, their question is not hard for me to answer. Of course I like many different writers, such as the ones from my childhood: Tolkien, Hesse, … Continue reading
Quick… Who Is The Poet Laureate Of The US?
The answer is Natasha Trethewey, but you knew that. Born in Mississippi in 1966, Mrs. Trethewey has had an illustrious career resulting in many books and awards, including the 2007 Pulitzer for Poetry for her 2006 book, Native Guard. Listen to her haunting … Continue reading